“Are you ready?” Marybeth asked, adjusting her bonnet.
Edward glanced up and nodded. “I am. You?”
“Yes, I finally have Carrie dressed and ready to go. Cleaning her up after supper took a little longer than I expected.”
Carrie came running and jumped into Edward’s arms. “We go now.”
He chuckled. “Yes, we go now.”
He carried the little girl all the way to city hall, where they were supposed to meet for the seven o’clock church service. Despite the darkness, Carrie pointed out different things along the way and asked about them. She was especially concerned about a couple of dogs chasing each other.
Once inside, Edward and Marybeth were quickly introduced by Melody to Dr. Scott and some of the other congregants.
“Pleased to meet you and glad to have you join us. Find a seat, and we’ll get started shortly.”
Edward led them to a roughly made bench positioned at the back of the room. They had no sooner taken a seat when Fred and Eve entered with their boys. Eve gave Marybeth a wave, then said something to Fred. Edward found himself grateful for his former commander and his family. They had made this transition so much easier. Having their friendship meant the world to him.
“If everyone would take a seat, we have a couple of announcements,” Dr. Scott proclaimed. Everyone found a place to sit, and the room quieted.
Dr. Scott stood at the front of the room. “I want to welcome all of you who are new to our congregation. You might find it a little strange to hold services at seven in the evening on Sunday, but it was a combination of issues that brought us to this decision. When we have a place of our own, we will hold regular Sunday morning services. The more you tithe, the sooner we’ll be able to break ground, so keep that in mind.”
He chuckled and pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. “The ladies are planning a church fair for the Saturday before Christmas—that’s next Saturday. This will be a grand sale of baked goods and sewing items to raise money for a new church. I have permission for us to hold the sale here at city hall, so we won’t have to worry about finding another location. The plan is to start at nine in the morning and run it until everything is sold. I’ll have the door unlocked by eight o’clock, as Mrs. Scott assures me you’ll be able to get everything set up in an hour. Men, make sure you’re here to support your ladies in getting tables up. We’ll be making them from scrap, so bring your hammers and any extra nails you might have on hand.
“Ladies, I want to encourage you to make lots of baked goods. This town is full of men who miss their wives and mamas and will buy up just about anything sweet you put together. Men, after you assist your ladies, please stick around to welcome the folks coming in. Invite them to church services, and let them know we plan to hold a revival in January.
“Lastly, Christmas Day services are available to us here.City hall won’t be open to the public, so we’ll gather for a brief celebration at ten o’clock in the morning. Now please join me in prayer as we open our services.”
Edward found that he immensely enjoyed Dr. Scott’s teachings. The man had a very personable way about him—probably his years of being a physician. He commented more than once that he and Rev. Allen were only temporarily filling the pulpit because they felt God had called them for such a time as this. His entire sermon was centered on the topic of answering God’s call. It gave Edward a renewed sense of purpose and calm. He’d felt called to come to Cheyenne, and in doing so, he had been compelled to help Marybeth and Carrie, as well. Even if their marriage was only one of convenience, they were committed as a family to seek God. Surely He would bless them in that.
The cold night air caused Carrie to seek Edward out as soon as they exited the building. She reached out to him from Marybeth’s arms and once he held her, Carrie buried her face into the lining of Edward’s coat collar.
“Poor baby,” Marybeth said, pulling the hood of her cloak up over her bonnet. “She’s not used to being out in such cold weather.”
“I don’t think any of us were ready for the cold temperatures here, but we’ll do what we must do. Are you going to make some baked goods for the sale?”
“I thought I would. My mama used to make a plum cake that was quite delicious. I could make that and sell slices of the cake. Melody gave me some plums she’d canned last summer. They’d be perfect for the cake.”
“How would you make it so you could sell the slices?”
“Hmm, that is a good question. Perhaps it would be better if I just made little hand pies. I could still use the plums.”
“That sounds perfect. I know I can’t be much help to you, but let me know if there’s anything I can do.”
“Well, we’ll need some things from the store. I have a list made up of the regular things we need. I’ll just add to it. Maybe Eve or Melody would be willing to watch Carrie, and I could go with you.”
“Things are pretty unstable right now. I’d rather you wait at home and let me do the shopping. I’m happy to get anything that you need.”
“That’s fine, Edward. I would rather avoid conflict, and God knows you’re in enough danger every day.”
They walked a bit further before Edward added, “All I ask is that I get first dibs on the pies.”
She laughed. “I wouldn’t be much of a wife if I didn’t see to it that my husband got to try them first.”
Edward spoke without thinking. “You’re a very good wife, Marybeth. The best, in fact.”
13
Edward’s words stayed with Marybeth for a long time after that evening. She couldn’t help but find her affection for him growing. He was so thoughtful. Every day after he got up, he brought her two buckets of water. Before he left for his shift at the jail, he brought her two more. He was always considerate of their needs too. He made sure there was a barrel to burn the trash and took care of that chore most of the time so she didn’t have to. He was also so good with Carrie. She loved him very much and freely called him Papa.
